Let’s talk
about little things that writers have done when submitting their work for
consideration that drive me (and other editors) crazy. Here’s the my list—
1. …writers who don’t research publishers before
they submit to them.
Go to publishers’ web sites and look for
submissions. Read what they have posted there. Do what they say. It really is
that simple.
2. …writers who don’t include their first and last
name, their real name, in their submissions.
I understand wanting to protect your privacy,
especially if your submission includes spanking, ropes, and assorted toys, and
you’re a teacher, a lawyer, or a social notable in a small town where everyone
knows your name.
That said, how am I supposed to send a
professional-sounding rejection or acceptance letter when all I have is TrixieD@love.com?
3. …writers who don’t include their mailing address
in their personal information.
We send real letters, typed on paper, in envelopes,
to those who send submissions to us. Rejection emails – can’t do a thing with
them. At least with rejection letters, you can consider changing the wallpaper
in your office.
I promise not to stalk you.
4. …writers who don’t give the ending of their story
in their synopsis.
I know what’s going on in their heads. They think if
they don’t give the ending, I’ll read their manuscript – all 120,000 words of
it – to find out what happens at the end.
Wrong answer!!!! Not giving the ending of a story in
a synopsis shows a lack of professionalism. Would you want to work with an
unprofessional publisher?
5. …even worse, writers who don’t send a synopsis
with their submission.
Maybe their submission is short, maybe its inner
truth can’t be summed up in a few hundred words, or maybe the writers are too
lazy or too new at this to realize a fantastic synopsis may mean the editor
will read a few chapters of their submission. Without one, she won’t read any.
If writing a synopsis scares you, take a workshop or
buy a book on the topic. A synopsis is your key to getting your foot in the
door. FFnP has many great workshops that will fix whatever ails the writer in
you.
These are only HALF of my suggestions. Please check
back April 18th for more helpful hints.
Now it’s time to ask yourself how many of my pet
peeves are you guilty of? If you realize that you are guilty, chalk it up to being
a novice in this writing business and promise to change your ways. If you
aren’t guilty, pat yourself on the back. I would love to hear from you.
MM Pollard, Editor, Black Velvet Seductions
About MM Pollard
MM Pollard is a very nice former English teacher
and now acquisitions editor for Black Velvet Seductions. She has accepted the mission to find and help
writers correct ungrammatical grammar, misused usage, problematic punctuation,
and poor writing in their work.
With fifteen years of experience teaching English
serving as a resource of knowledge and a life-time love of teaching and of
language, MM has been presenting workshops since February, 2011. She has
presented workshops for many RWA chapters, Savvy Authors, Writers Online Classes,
and in her own virtual classroom. MM is excited to have over thirty workshops
scheduled for 2013. Check out her blog for more details.
Also check out her new forum for
free workshops and advice on using English correctly. You don’t have
to register as a member of Lefora Forums unless you wish to comment.
MM has helped many writers improve their language
and writing skills through her fun workshops. Yes, English can be fun! MM is
sure she can help you, too, master the fundamentals of English.
MM
Pollard,
editor,
Black Velvet Seductions
Workshops
with MM http://blackvelvetseduction.com/Workshop1 --
info on her workshops on her private forum
MM’s
Fundamentals in English http://queenofenglish.wordpress.com –
sign up for her newsletter on her blog and see her complete list of workshops
for 2013
I hope you will join my
class on
FLASHBACKS
Hosted by
Fantasy-Futuristic&
Paranormal Romance Writers
This 10 Day class starts April 22, 2013
For more information click
HERE
Posts
